Sunday, February 23, 2014
January 2014 Newsletter
January was a very cold and snowy day at the Mission. We woke up to 3” of snow on the ground which meant the spreading of salt to melt the snow and ice. Due to the weather we only had 60 families that came.
One lady made the whole trip worth it all when she brought her slip to receive her food. Upon seeing the box she remarked, “that’s for me?” with tears streaming down her cheeks. Folks, my heart rejoiced, because that’s what it’s all about.
As I pause and reflect on how far we have come in such a short time, it’s hard to believe. We were able to provide beds and mattresses, all the linen and spreads, plus blankets along with household items to a family that lost everything in a fire the previous week. We even gave them two boxes of food. We’ve received so many blessings from helping others, it’s amazing.
We are taking a cooler that was given to us for keeping produce and dairy products as we go this month. We will leave our box truck in WV to use to go after the food from the Food Bank as it had become too much for my truck and trailer traveling over the mountains.
That put us into the situation of needing another vehicle. Since people go with us each time, we are limited to how many we can carry. We decided a van would meet our needs. After discussing this we decided that we needed a passenger van that was also capable of pulling the 16’ trailer. By faith, we have purchased a Ford E-350 15 passenger van with high back seats for more comfort and will also pull the trailer with no problems.
This ministry is based on faith – so what do I mean by Faith? It’s believing that the Lord will guide and provide. We began traveling to WV on faith, purchased our building on faith, began the food ministry on faith, and God has provided everything we have needed. Our building is now debt free. We have purchased this van by that same faith. We have one week for God to provide the funds needed, and that’s as good as money in the bank.
Please join us in prayer on this new step of faith. And as always thank you for your prayers and support.
Mayhew West
www.theshepherdshands@gmail.com
Monday, January 6, 2014
December Newsletter
DECEMBER 2013
December has been a very exciting month. Our trip to West Virginia was delayed a day due to an ice storm. Upon arriving on Monday the 9th, we found everything at the mission in good shape. Jerry had been down and turned the water and heat on and it was very cozy.
Our neighbors were not as fortunate, including Jerry, as their power was out and had been out for several days. We encouraged him and his wife Linda to come and stay at the mission, but since he had a generator they felt that they were fine.
On Tuesday we went to Bluefield to meet the truck from Mountaineer Food Bank to get our first order of food. The temperature was 21 degrees and snowing, the truck was several hours late and the wait in the cold was miserable. Finally when the truck arrived our mixed food pallet was first off the truck. That was great, but the frozen meats were the last. We spent almost 4 hours on what should have been an hour.
Wednesday evening, with the power still out, a family came down to use our electricity for a breathing treatment for a young boy. The next morning they were back bright and early for another treatment except the whole family was along. We invited them for breakfast, and they stayed the biggest part of the day as we enjoyed hamburgers for lunch. Their power came back on and they were happy. It was a blessing that we had power to accommodate them. I guess our next project will be a 20 kw generator for the building to assure us of power to help others as well as to preserve the food in our cooler and freezers.
Saturday was our give away day, and it was cold and snowing which meant the crowd would be slim. It was snow on the ground and very cold. But 87 families, over two hundred people, braved the cold to come and get clothes, food, haircuts and gifts.
We were able to provide gift bags for the children thanks to several churches and individuals. Also the teenagers and adults received a gift bag along with a bag of fruit. Each family was given a food box consisting of a bread product, can goods, produce and meat. Each person received a toboggan that was made by various ladies in our area and two pair of socks from a supporting church.
On Monday we had 13 parents, representing 37 children, come for gifts to help Santa out. What a thrill to be able to spread a little Christmas joy to others.
Many of you have been so faithful in your support this past year, to which we say thank you for remembering this ministry.
Praise the Lord for sending a group of 25 people from Aiken, SC, Clemmons, NC, and Johnston to take care of the distribution of the items.
Remember,”Jesus is the reason for the season.” Luke 2:11; For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Marianne and I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New year.
December has been a very exciting month. Our trip to West Virginia was delayed a day due to an ice storm. Upon arriving on Monday the 9th, we found everything at the mission in good shape. Jerry had been down and turned the water and heat on and it was very cozy.
Our neighbors were not as fortunate, including Jerry, as their power was out and had been out for several days. We encouraged him and his wife Linda to come and stay at the mission, but since he had a generator they felt that they were fine.
On Tuesday we went to Bluefield to meet the truck from Mountaineer Food Bank to get our first order of food. The temperature was 21 degrees and snowing, the truck was several hours late and the wait in the cold was miserable. Finally when the truck arrived our mixed food pallet was first off the truck. That was great, but the frozen meats were the last. We spent almost 4 hours on what should have been an hour.
Wednesday evening, with the power still out, a family came down to use our electricity for a breathing treatment for a young boy. The next morning they were back bright and early for another treatment except the whole family was along. We invited them for breakfast, and they stayed the biggest part of the day as we enjoyed hamburgers for lunch. Their power came back on and they were happy. It was a blessing that we had power to accommodate them. I guess our next project will be a 20 kw generator for the building to assure us of power to help others as well as to preserve the food in our cooler and freezers.
Saturday was our give away day, and it was cold and snowing which meant the crowd would be slim. It was snow on the ground and very cold. But 87 families, over two hundred people, braved the cold to come and get clothes, food, haircuts and gifts.
We were able to provide gift bags for the children thanks to several churches and individuals. Also the teenagers and adults received a gift bag along with a bag of fruit. Each family was given a food box consisting of a bread product, can goods, produce and meat. Each person received a toboggan that was made by various ladies in our area and two pair of socks from a supporting church.
On Monday we had 13 parents, representing 37 children, come for gifts to help Santa out. What a thrill to be able to spread a little Christmas joy to others.
Many of you have been so faithful in your support this past year, to which we say thank you for remembering this ministry.
Praise the Lord for sending a group of 25 people from Aiken, SC, Clemmons, NC, and Johnston to take care of the distribution of the items.
Remember,”Jesus is the reason for the season.” Luke 2:11; For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Marianne and I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New year.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
November Happenings
Marianne and I just returned from a week in WV preparing for December at the Mission. It was a very satisfying time for the two of us. The highlight of the week was our meeting with Rodney Cook, Director of Mountaineer Food bank.
Rodney came over to inspect our facilities concerning our application to receive food for distribution to those who come to the mission. We are now approved to receive food each month. This is a very big plus enabling us to have a larger amount on hand.
In the past we have been totally dependent on each of you and the churches. This will enable us to have the food delivered just 18 miles away and picked up rather than hauling it over 300 miles. Now we will have to have freezers and a cooler to take care of perishable foods. Please join us in prayer for two medium size freezers and a walk in cooler.
We will need an additional $200 per month to carry this part of the mission out. As I mentioned on several other occasions we need folks and churches to consider making The Shepherds Hands part of your mission giving each month or whatever method you choose.
Again this year we will be giving fruit to the folks who come to the mission in December; we also will have special gifts for the adults and the Christmas bags for the children.
Our work has really grown over the past year and we are grateful to God for the ministry He has given us. I am so thankful for each of you and your place in this work.
So many of you have said you want to come be a part of the December give away, and we need to know who will be here in order to house as many as possible. Please let us know as soon as you can.
This December makes five years that Marianne and I have been going to West Virginia. We’ve come a long way and many of you have been along for the journey. Thank you for your being beside us not only to help but to encourage and support us so faithfully. God is so good! Yes, all the time.
Keep those prayers going.
Mayhew
Friday, November 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
ALL WE GOT IS GRANDPA
These were the words of two little boys around 3 and 5 who came to the clothes give-a-away in Keokee, VA, April 27. The oldest little boy had on a shirt that covered half his hand and the younger must have had on his older brother’s pants with a nylon tie through three of his belt loops to hold his jeans up.
Some of the ladies asked him about his mother and the oldest replied all they had was Grandpa who brought them to get some clothes. Those young boys left with much more than they came with. That’s what makes our work so rewarding to know that our presence has made a difference. And I might add that your support of this ministry makes you a very important spoke in the wheel.
I realize it’s been a while since our last update and much has taken place so I will try to fill you in.
Our March 3rd trip was cut short due to my falling on the ice and injuring my shoulder, hip and knee. Praise the Lord nothing was broken and one trip to the Chiropractor put me back on the road again except for the soreness.
My son Preston was able to go along on this trip and it was good to have him along with Wayne and Tally. We accomplished a small amount but were grateful for what we got done.
On March 13, Marianne and I went early to get some additional work done on the clothes closet before the others arrived on Friday and Saturday. Along for this trip were Davis and Tara Parkman, Charlie Rentz Melanie and Wayne Rosier, along with a group from Friends Baptist Church in Clemmons, NC.
April 12, 13 was a very rewarding trip as Wayne & Andrew Shaw along with Russell and Jessie Quattlebaum came up to work on the dorm over the clothes closet. How grateful we are for their labor of love. They floored and installed the walls and ceiling joist that weekend. Believe me that was a blessing from God.
On April 26, 27, a group of ladies from the Couchton Baptist Church in Aiken, SC, Evelyn Youngblood, Joyce Smith and Iris Young who has been a faithful helper. Her husband wasn’t able to be with us this time and we missed him dearly. Stuart and Judy Smith from Philippi Baptist in Johnston came for the first time and they were a blessing. What a wonderful Saturday as 20 new families came through the Mission for the first time. Melanie kept busy with the free haircuts and now she has those who are a regular each month. Jerry and Wayne along with Stuart kept the supplies rolling and carrying groceries and clothes to the cars.
It was a very fruitful day and so rewarding, plus the fellowship we enjoyed with one another. It’s always a wonderful time when people get together serving others and the Lord.
I am so grateful for every person that is a part of this ministry. God has brought together a great group of people who come up from time to time. I realize that it’s pushing some to be here often, but I am so glad because the folks here get to see those who come to help. Many of you are behind the scene workers and supporters, just remember you’re a missionary too; we covet your continued prayers and support. May God bless each of you.
Some of the ladies asked him about his mother and the oldest replied all they had was Grandpa who brought them to get some clothes. Those young boys left with much more than they came with. That’s what makes our work so rewarding to know that our presence has made a difference. And I might add that your support of this ministry makes you a very important spoke in the wheel.
I realize it’s been a while since our last update and much has taken place so I will try to fill you in.
Our March 3rd trip was cut short due to my falling on the ice and injuring my shoulder, hip and knee. Praise the Lord nothing was broken and one trip to the Chiropractor put me back on the road again except for the soreness.
My son Preston was able to go along on this trip and it was good to have him along with Wayne and Tally. We accomplished a small amount but were grateful for what we got done.
On March 13, Marianne and I went early to get some additional work done on the clothes closet before the others arrived on Friday and Saturday. Along for this trip were Davis and Tara Parkman, Charlie Rentz Melanie and Wayne Rosier, along with a group from Friends Baptist Church in Clemmons, NC.
April 12, 13 was a very rewarding trip as Wayne & Andrew Shaw along with Russell and Jessie Quattlebaum came up to work on the dorm over the clothes closet. How grateful we are for their labor of love. They floored and installed the walls and ceiling joist that weekend. Believe me that was a blessing from God.
On April 26, 27, a group of ladies from the Couchton Baptist Church in Aiken, SC, Evelyn Youngblood, Joyce Smith and Iris Young who has been a faithful helper. Her husband wasn’t able to be with us this time and we missed him dearly. Stuart and Judy Smith from Philippi Baptist in Johnston came for the first time and they were a blessing. What a wonderful Saturday as 20 new families came through the Mission for the first time. Melanie kept busy with the free haircuts and now she has those who are a regular each month. Jerry and Wayne along with Stuart kept the supplies rolling and carrying groceries and clothes to the cars.
It was a very fruitful day and so rewarding, plus the fellowship we enjoyed with one another. It’s always a wonderful time when people get together serving others and the Lord.
I am so grateful for every person that is a part of this ministry. God has brought together a great group of people who come up from time to time. I realize that it’s pushing some to be here often, but I am so glad because the folks here get to see those who come to help. Many of you are behind the scene workers and supporters, just remember you’re a missionary too; we covet your continued prayers and support. May God bless each of you.
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